Radical Positive Change by One Generation.

Professional life is about access and opportunity. When everyday people are given access, more often than not, they seize the opportunity to develop transformational change in their communities.

Following my tenure as a Congressional Aide, I built The Daniel Initiative (TDI) upon the realization that diversity and inclusion is most needed in the public policy arena. Since then, TDI has provided government relations and strategic communications to historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. In alignment with this overarching mission, TDI soon began to provide internship opportunities to young people who came from these same marginalized communities served by our consulting firm.

Over the past few years, we have intentionally cultivated an environment that supports, equips, and trains generations of leaders to drive radical positive change. I learned early on to equip our fellows with access and affirm their ability to reshape landscapes and transform societies. Our fellowship program is built upon the core concepts of consistency, intentionality, and intersectionality. We teach our fellows the value of consistent engagement with all levels of government. We instruct them to be intentional in formulating advocacy requests and policy demands. We compel them to adopt an intersectional lens in the development and employment of all social impact strategies.

The Daniel Initiative SET Project views paid fellowships as direct and tangible investments in the future of our communities and nations. Our fellowship programs are anything but traditional. Our average fellows come from non-traditional experiences and historically marginalized communities. We were built specifically for those who couldn’t originally see themselves in these professional positions or spaces of power. Therefore our approach has been radical in its employment and facilitation. Upon leaving these sessions, our fellows have walked away with portfolios, writing samples, and receipts that prove their ability to exist and excel in institutions of power. Additionally, we teach them how to effectively and efficiently communicate complex policy issues in very digestible and simple ways to various audiences.

Whether the intention is to run for office, be an advocate, a grassroots activist, or just an everyday knowledgeable citizen, our public policy is at its greatest when we are all at the table. Our SET Project helps people envision themselves at the table and in positions of power. I have seen the potential of people who did not finish college. I have seen talent in young people who could not see themselves in our political system’s current constructs. All they needed was a chance. TDI SET Project provides chances and opportunities to reshape, to restart, and transform.

Breon Wells
Founder & Executive Director